Contraceptive Pill Effectiveness After Stopping

The period after stopping the use of oral contraceptives for one month?

Doctor, I have been taking Qlaira for a total of six months, and I took my last pill on December 6.
My period started four days later and lasted for five days.
I stopped taking the medication at the beginning of this cycle.
If I continue taking the pills in the next few days, will they still be effective? On December 21, I had unprotected intercourse without ejaculation.
I would like to ask the doctor if the chances of pregnancy are high.

Tongxue, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/12/21

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the contraceptive pill is usually started on the fifth day of menstruation (some products recommend starting on the first day, depending on the product).
There is still a possibility of pregnancy even if ejaculation does not occur, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm.
It is advisable to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2022/12/21

More Info

When it comes to understanding the effectiveness of contraceptive pills after stopping, it's essential to consider several factors, including the timing of your last pill, the nature of your menstrual cycle, and the timing of unprotected intercourse.

You mentioned that you have been taking the contraceptive pill "祈麗安" (likely a brand of oral contraceptive) for six months and that you took your last pill on December 6. After that, you experienced a withdrawal bleed (which is similar to a menstrual period) that lasted for five days. You then stopped taking the pill.
The effectiveness of oral contraceptives is generally high when taken correctly, but it is important to understand how the timing of stopping the pill affects your contraceptive protection. When you stop taking the pill, your body begins to return to its natural hormonal cycle. The withdrawal bleed you experienced is a response to the sudden drop in hormones from stopping the pill, and it typically indicates that your body is shedding the uterine lining.

Regarding your question about whether you would still have contraceptive protection after stopping the pill, the answer is that once you stop taking the pill, you lose that contraceptive effect. The hormonal protection provided by the pill diminishes quickly after discontinuation. Therefore, if you had unprotected intercourse on December 21, which is 15 days after your last pill and during a time when you were not on hormonal contraception, the risk of pregnancy is indeed present.

The likelihood of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse can depend on several factors, including where you are in your menstrual cycle. If you had just stopped the pill and were not using any other form of contraception, your body may not have fully returned to its natural cycle, which can make predicting ovulation more challenging. If you had unprotected sex during your fertile window (which typically occurs around 14 days before the start of your next period), the risk of pregnancy would be higher.

In summary, after stopping the contraceptive pill, you do not have contraceptive protection, and engaging in unprotected intercourse increases the risk of pregnancy. If you are concerned about the possibility of being pregnant, consider taking a home pregnancy test if your period is late or consult with your healthcare provider for further guidance. Additionally, if you plan to resume contraception, discuss options with your healthcare provider to ensure you have effective protection moving forward.

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